Vivian

16

The slow crawl of heat and melted ice cream approaches,
Reminding our new purpose.
Work retires itself,
Freedom grants equality to act,
Complacency dictates doers not to.

Time is squandered on inactivity.
Sun rays strike at all stray thoughts,
Forgetfulness weaves tangles about once-clear minds,
Remembrance fades without the hardship of practice.
Most are ill-suited to independence or rigor.

Energy erodes, despite conservation.
Vigor is leeched by a sweating sun,
Motivation is dampened by humidity.

Schedules are planned on the day of,
The neighbors sit out on lawn chairs,
The dog doesn’t fetch.
No one does, yet some still feel.

Arguments proliferate with broken air conditioners,
Emotions are quelled with cold drinks.
The couple’s romance is weakened,
The familial bonds thinned,
Heat burns people’s patience.
Irritation versus exhaustion.

Voices yell and can be heard,
But actions are scarce.
“It’s too hot to fuss,”
Says the careless.